Collaborating Art and Languages with Young People
in Scuba Diving, Space, and Science Opportunities
The
CALYPS3O Project is a collaborative science education program
that brings students together from the Indiana School for the Deaf and
Indian Creek High School. It was originally made possible in 1998
through the efforts of Ms. Bonnie McClain, NASA Life Sciences Outreach,
and Dr. Joan Vernikos, retired Director of NASA Life Sciences, Dr. Thomas
Dreschel, NASA Life Scientist at the Kennedy Space Center, as well as
the generosity of an anonymous benefactor. With continued support from
an anonymous benefactor, students have been able to participate in CALYPS3O
each year since 1998.
The
CALYPS3O Project is directed by Teresa Huckleberry, ISD
high school science teacher, and Carol Piety, Indian Creek High School
science teacher. It begins each year with selecting students
to participate in the Discover Scuba program sponsored by the members
of the Downtown Indianapolis Sertoma Club and PADI instructors
from Divers III, Inc. Students who demonstrate an enthusiasm for math,
science, and art, as well as good swimming skills, attitude,and citizenship
are then selected to attend a five week PADI open water scuba certification
class at the University of Indianapolis with instructors from Divers
III, Inc. Six
of the students who complete their PADI open-water scuba certification
participate in a summer trip coordinated in conjunction with staff
from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. During this trip and after returning
home, students use a variety of media to create art pieces which express
what they have experienced from learning to scuba dive, from interacting
with students from another school, and from an exciting summer trip
to one of NASA's centers.
